Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"AUG-68" is a brief but striking poem by W.H. Auden. This poem, written in August 1968, can be interpreted in different ways depending on its historical context and reader's perspective.

Historical Context: In 1968, the world was witnessing significant political and social upheaval. The date may allude to the Soviet Union's invasion of Czechoslovakia in August of that year, a violent suppression of Czechoslovak attempts to liberalize the communist regime. In this context, the Ogre could symbolize the oppressive Soviet government, unable to truly understand or communicate with the people they are suppressing, with the "drivel" being the propaganda or meaningless justifications for the violence.

Metaphorical Interpretation: More broadly, the Ogre might represent any authoritarian or tyrannical force. The poem contrasts the Ogre's physical might and ability to subjugate with its inability to master speech. This could represent the inherent failure of oppressive regimes to legitimize their power through honest communication, wisdom, or empathy. The inability to master speech reflects a failure to understand human dignity and individual worth.

Literary and Linguistic Reflection: Auden was deeply interested in language and its uses. The Ogre's failure to master speech might also serve as a comment on the power and importance of language, something that brute force can never truly conquer. Language is connected to thought, reason, and humanity's higher faculties, and the Ogre's inability to grasp it represents a lack of these qualities.

The poem's structure, rhyme, and rhythm give it a nursery-rhyme quality, contrasting sharply with its dark theme. This serves to highlight the absurdity and horror of the Ogre's actions. Like many of Auden's works, it is concise but loaded with meaning, allowing for various interpretations.

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